Record Reviews
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  | ZBIGNIEW NAMYSLOWSKI ~ THE LAST CONCERT
POLONIA 002 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1991 Released: 1992
This is a brilliant album by veteran Polish saxophonist / composer Zbigniew NamyslowskiFind albums by this artist, one of the pillars of modern Jazz in his country. A superb player and a gifted composer, Namyslowski first as a member of the Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist´s group and later as a leader of his numerous ensembles created excellent music and served as a model to generations of Jazz players in his country. This album, one of very few live recordings by Namyslowski, was captured at Warsaw´s Jazz Jamboree festival and features one of the strongest quartets Namyslowski ever led, with pianist Janusz SkowronFind albums by this artist, bassist Zbigniew WegehauptFind albums by this artist and drummer Cezary KonradFind albums by this artist. Violinist Maciej StrzelczykFind albums by this artist joins the quartet on a couple of tunes. All seven compositions performed are by Namyslowski and portray his wonderful sense of melody, polyrhythmic approach and tendency to incorporate World Music elements in his music. Two of the tracks are over 10 minutes long, which allows plenty of space for extensive improvisations. I have no idea why this album is entitled "The Last ConcertFind albums with this title" (perhaps this was the last concert with this particular quartet?), as this certainly wasn´t Namyslowski´s last live performance and he´s still playing brilliantly twenty years later, to the delight to his many admirers and fans, as well as writing great music. For lovers of Polish Jazz, this is an absolute classic, which should be a part of any decent Jazz collection. Highly recommended!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | JANUSZ SKOWRON ~ POLISH RADIO JAZZ ARCHIVES VOL.35
POLSKIE RADIO 2322 (Barcode: 5907812243319) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1981 - 1998 Released: 2022
This is the thirty-fifth installment in the series of releases initiated by the Polish Radio, which presents archive Jazz recordings from the radio vaults. Radio recordings are always a fabulous source of remarkable material, and as far as Polish Jazz history is concerned, the Polish Radio, which was a state monopoly for 45 years, recorded over time a plethora of invaluable material, which apart from the albums released by the Polskie Nagrania record company (also a state monopoly), is the only available additional source of Polish Jazz recordings of that period. For many years Polish Radio recorded concerts presented during Poland´s most important Jazz venues, including the annual Jazz Jamboree Festival and many other festivals as well.
The music on this album presents radio recordings of live performances by one of the most prominent Polish Jazz musicians, keyboardist / composer Janusz SkowronFind albums by this artist, who sadly departed recently (February 2019), paying tribute to his artistry. Skowron was active on the scene since the early 1980s and his music embraced diverse environments, playing Jazz and Fusion. The album presents eleven tracks recorded between 1981 and 1998 and are a rather incidental collection spanning his various activities. Skowron composed three of these tracks.
The first track, recorded in 1981, features the quartet led by drummer Kazimierz JonkiszFind albums by this artist, where Skowron played piano, which also included violinist Krzesimir DebskiFind albums by this artist and bassist Andrzej LukasikFind albums by this artist.
Next track, recorded in 1982, features one of Poland’s most important Fusion groups String ConnectionFind albums by this artist, which also included Debski.
Next track, recorded in 1985, features Skowron’s own band, which includes bassist Zbigniew WegehauptFind albums by this artist (departed 2012).
Next track, recorded in 1985, features the quartet led by trumpeter Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist (departed 2018), which includes drummer Tadeusz FederowskiFind albums by this artist (departed 2018).
Next track, recorded in 1987, features the FreelectronicFind albums by this artist band also led by Stanko, which includes synthesizer player Tadeusz SudnikFind albums by this artist.
Next track, recorded in 1990, features the quartet led by saxophonist Zbigniew NamyslowskiFind albums by this artist (departed in 2022).
Next track, recorded in 1991, features also the Zbigniew Namyslowski quartet.
Next two tracks, recorded in 1992, feature the quartet led by trumpeter Piotr WojtasikFind albums by this artist, which includes saxophonist Tomasz SzukalskiFind albums by this artist (departed 2012).
Next track, recorded in 1995, features the reunited String Connection group.
The last track, recorded in 1998, features a duo of Skowron and Tomasz Stanko.
The fact that six of the musicians playing on this album are no longer with us is a sad reminder of the phenomenon of the first generation of the Polish Jazz scene disappearing.
The series, which was brought back to life after three years of absence, offers an upgraded packaging, which finally offers bi-lingual liner notes, fitting the importance of this music. The beautifully restored sound quality is excellent and the warm ambience of the analog recording is a true joy. Overall this is an absolutely essential piece of Jazz history which every Jazz fan should consider as a must.
| | Updated: 25/02/2023Posted: 25/02/2023 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | TOMASZ STANKO ~ A FAREWELL TO MARIA (SOUNDTRACK)
GOWI 12 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1993 Released: 1994
This is an album by legendary Polish Jazz trumpeter Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist, which presents the music used as a soundtrack of an obscure Polish TV movie "A Farewell To MariaFind albums with this title", directed by Filip ZylberFind albums by this artist. The music is performed by a large cast of top Polish Jazz musicians, like saxophonist Tomasz SzukalskiFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Janusz SkowronFind albums by this artist, bassists Andrzej CudzichFind albums by this artist and Adam CegielskiFind albums by this artist, drummer Cezary KonradFind albums by this artist and others, as well as a string quartet. The album comprises of thirteen relatively short tracks, which appear within the film.
The music is a wonderful example of the strength of Stanko the composer and is based around the leitmotif, which is, as always, a heartwrenching ballad that Stanko masterly created. But the album also includes several additional melodic and improvised pieces, which create a diverse and fascinating musical experience. In contrast to many soundtrack albums, this one works perfectly well by itself, detached from the cinematic layer.
The performances are all top notch, again as expected, and in many respects this album firmly belongs to the mainstream of Stanko´s recorded heritage. It´s a great pity that this album so little known by Stanko´s fans and the fact that it is impossible to find a copy of this album is a crying shame. Grab it if you can find it!
| | Updated: 18/07/2017Posted: 18/07/2017 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | TOMASZ STANKO ~ CHAMELEON
METAL MIND 0401 (Barcode: 5907785027404) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1982 Released: 2006
This album´s title is perhaps the most concise and precise description of its contents. With the 1970s behind him Polish trumpeter / composer Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist takes a sharp turn off the path he followed previously as the leader of the local Free Jazz / Avant-Garde scene and as other musicians before him (or like a chameleon) entered the world of Jazz-Rock Fusion. The album was recorded in Athens in 1982 and reminded unreleased until 1989 (by that time Stanko was already moving to the next phase of his career), when it was finally released by a small independent Greek label. But chronologically this is the first recording of Stanko´s 1980s "new" style, preceding "C.O.C.X.Find albums with this title". The setting is a trio with guitarist Apostolis AnthimosFind albums by this artist (of SBBFind albums by this artist fame), who also plays bass, drums and percussion and young keyboardist Janusz SkowronFind albums by this artist, who uses the electronic devices to create beautiful sound vistas. The music is (as always with Stanko) absolutely stunning and quite different from his earlier work. Here we can hear the "easier" or happier side of Stanko, with almost cheerful melody lines and relatively simple rhythmic approach. Let´s make no mistake however; this is still Stanko at his best, with his unmistakable personal way of making music, virtuosic blowing and genius musical concept, all this in a slightly more accessible wrap up. Of the eleven tracks on the album seven were composed by Stanko and four are credited to the trio, as much of the music was actually created on the fly in the studio. In retrospect this is definitely one of the most memorable Stanko albums and an absolute must to all his numerous fans. Just grab it!
Visitors' Comments
Christopher Brice
Stanko does play beautifully on this album, and as a budding completist I don´t actually regret buying the album, but I have to say that the other instrumentation often leaves a lot to be desired, being more Pop (and occasionally TV-Schmaltz) than Jazz-Rock
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | TOMASZ STANKO ~ EGZEKUTOR (SOUNDTRACK)
UNIVERSAL 044001434723 (Barcode: 044001434723) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2001 Released: 2001
Polish trumpet virtuoso / composer Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist is universally recognized as one of world´s top Jazz musicians since many years. However, his contributions as composer of music for cinema is somewhat lesser known, which is a pity. Stanko´s work in that area started way back to the early 1970s, but even earlier, when he was a member of the legendary Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist ensemble, he already became intimate with the art of writing for cinema from his mentor, who was one of the greatest soundtrack creators ever, mostly known for his work for Roman PolanskiFind albums by this artist. It is therefore understandable that Stanko´s music for films would become heavily influenced by Komeda´s approach, which culminates with this soundtrack, written to a brilliant film by Polish director Filip ZylberFind albums by this artist. In fact this is the second time Stanko contributes the soundtrack to a film by Zylber, with "A Farewell To MariaFind albums with this title" being the predecessor to this one. Stanko is accompanied by some impressive players on this album, most notably by singer Justyna SteczkowskaFind albums by this artist, who contributes some breathtaking vocalese parts. Also present are Janusz SkowronFind albums by this artist on synthesizer, Slawomir KurkiewiczFind albums by this artist on bass, Michal MiskiewiczFind albums by this artist on drums, and Zbigniew BrysiakFind albums by this artist on percussion, as well as a string quartet. But Stanko´s trumpet dominates this music completely and overwhelmingly, when it plays completely solo or is accompanied by other instruments. Stanko´s virtuosity and magic sound are truly magnificent and supported by the atmospheric and often melancholic melodic motifs, the overall effect is simply stunning. It is a rare occasion when a soundtrack stand alone as a full fledged Jazz album, and this is a superb example of this being the case. I can only say that every Stanko fan should try and listen to this album, even if finding it today, only 10 years after it was released, is virtually impossible. The album was released as a double set with a CD and DVD Audio (Surround Sound) version of the music, which present different mixes of the same music. An absolute must!
| | | CD+DVD 2 DVD-A Recommend To A Friend |
  | TOMASZ STANKO ~ LIVE AT THE MONTREUX JAZZ FESTIVAL 1987
POLONIA 254 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1987 Released: 2000
This live recording at the Montreux Jazz Festival is the last of the glorious 1980s albums by the polish trumpet virtuoso / composer Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist and his FreelectronicFind albums by this artist ensemble, here consisting of keyboardists Janusz SkowronFind albums by this artist and Tadeusz SudnikFind albums by this artist and bassist Witold SzczurekFind albums by this artist. Stanko is in top form and in a great mood, which is evident by the happy atmosphere captured herein. His trumpet soars to incredible heights and the brilliant improvisations chase one another. In retrospect this is a perfect moment captured for posterity, just before the ever-changing Stanko would embark on yet another musical journey with the onset of the 1990s. The 1980s Stanko´s Jazz-Rock period was about to be abandoned and replaced by a return to the Jazz tradition and the new (again) Stanko, which would capture worldwide audiences with his ECMFind albums on this label recordings. But the 1980s period firmly remains as one of Stanko´s most productive and expressive periods and this album is an integral part of that legacy. A must to every Stanko fan!
| | | CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend |
  | TOMASZ STANKO ~ PEYOTL - WITKACY
POLONIA 037/038 (Barcode: 5904542687307) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1984 - 1986 Released: 2004
This is probably the most significant recording by Polish trumpeter virtuoso / composer Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist, surely at least among his Polish recordings before his later ECMFind albums on this label period. Following Miles DavisFind albums by this artist, Stanko switched to Jazz-Rock Fusion (albeit a decade later) and his 1980s output with his FreelectronicFind albums by this artist ensemble is radically different from the Free Jazz he played in the 1970s. This double album consists of one studio recording and one live recording, both expressing Stanko´s power as a performer and a composer to the max. The studio album, which was compiled over a period of two years, presents music composed by Stanko at the period when he was experimenting with hallucinogens and was deeply influenced by the writings of the Polish mystic / philosopher / Avant-Garde artist WitkacyFind albums by this artist (Stanislaw Ignacy Witkiewicz), who was also an early experimenter with drugs. Text excerpts from Witkacy´s book about drugs are recited and closely incorporated into the fascinating music, which floats over a repetitious hypnotic vamp and layers of electronic keyboard sounds. The highlight of this album is undoubtedly the inclusion of a second genius trumpet player, Andrzej PrzybielskiFind albums by this artist, who exchanges licks with Stanko in a brilliant manner. The fact that Stanko invited Przybielski to participate in this recording is a testimony of how highly he regarded his unbelievable talent. Other musicians participating in these recordings are: keyboardists Janusz SkowronFind albums by this artist and Tadeusz SudnikFind albums by this artist, guitarist Apostolis AnthimosFind albums by this artist, bassist Witold SzczurekFind albums by this artist, and drummer Zbigniew BarysiakFind albums by this artist. The recitation is by the great actor Marek WalczewskiFind albums by this artist. In retrospect the fact that this music was recorded almost 30 years ago seem incomprehensible, as it so much more advanced that almost any music done these days. Stanko´s genius definitely reaches here one of its great peaks, which luckily for us was captured for posterity. Sadly this album is probably little known by his worldwide fan base, as it is very difficult to find, which of course is a shame. If one must own just one Stanko album, this is it, at least as far as I´m concerned. Absolute unadulterated genius!
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 2 Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | TOMASZ STANKO ~ ROBERTO ZUCCO
POLONIA 059 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1995 Released: 1996
This is a relatively little known brilliant album by Polish virtuoso trumpeter / composer Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist, presenting one of the numerous soundtracks Stanko created for stage and cinema. This soundtrack was used for the Polish production of the theatre play "Roberto Zucco" by Bernard-Marie Koltés, based on the life of infamous Italian serial killer Roberto Succo. The music, which as usual with Stanko´s work, stands alone perfectly when removed from the stage context, consists of sixteen relatively short pieces performed by a quintet, quartet or on solo trumpet. Thirteen of these pieces are composed by Stanko and the remaining three are variations on the famous standard "Blue Velvet", of which two include vocal parts by singer Dorota MiskiewiczFind albums by this artist. This is an ultra rare opportunity to hear Stanko performing a standard, which he almost never does. Other players include pianist Andrzej JagodzinskiFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Janusz SkowronFind albums by this artist, bassist Slawomir KurkiewiczFind albums by this artist, drummer Michal MiskiewiczFind albums by this artist and percussionist Zbigniew BarysiakFind albums by this artist. Overall, as always with Stanko, this music is powerful and delicate simultaneously, simply making you wish it just wouldn´t stop. This is of course an absolute must to any Stanko acolyte / collector and a great proof of Stanko´s versatility as a composer. Brilliant stuff!
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  | TOMASZ STANKO ~ TALES FOR A GIRL, 12
POLONIA 046 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1991 Released: 1995
With the 1980s over, Polish trumpeter / composer Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist enters the next decade with another pivotal recording, which marks yet another about face change with the return to "classic" Jazz, as defined by Stanko´s unique talent. This incredible album is basically a solo trumpet recording, an extremely bold and difficult project for the artist, which truly emphasizes his genius in full. Accompanied only by keyboardist Janusz SkowronFind albums by this artist, who produces layers of atmospheric background, Stanko blows with full might presenting thirteen brilliantly concise pieces of music, which are simply mind-blowing. His virtuosity as a performer is demonstrated here perhaps more vividly than on any other Stanko album, certainly any of his previous recordings up to that one. His lyricism and incredible power of expression are overwhelming and the totality of his music is unparalleled. Although solo recordings (in Jazz or other types of music) are usually quite difficult for the less experienced listener, this album is so powerful that is able to mesmerize any listener sensitive to music. This album is the mark every other trumpet album should be measured against, a work of pure genius and an absolutely essential piece of Art in any sense of this word. Stunning!
| | | CD 1 Slipcase Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | TOMASZ STANKO ~ WOLNOSC W SIERPNIU
FIRE 001 (Barcode: 5907587611009) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2005 Released: 2005
This magnificent album by Polish trumpeter / composer Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist includes the music commissioned by the Warsaw Uprising Museum, which accompanies the permanent exhibition. The heroic and tragic struggle to free the Polish Capital from the Nazi occupation in August of 1944 is to this very day a pivotal episode of modern Polish history, in many respects unresolved (morally and politically) to this very day. The bold decision to bestow the task of composing the music played at the museum upon Poland´s most distinguished Jazz composer is surely unusual and highly commendable. Stanko, of course, had little trouble to produce a masterpiece, which consists of a six-piece suite for Jazz combo and string orchestra. The participants are all Polish Jazz heroes, starting with the members of Stanko´s regular quartet at the time: pianist Marcin WasilewskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Slawomir KurkiewiczFind albums by this artist and drummer Michal MiskiewiczFind albums by this artist. Additional players include Stanko´s veteran partners: keyboardist Janusz SkowronFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Tomasz SzukalskiFind albums by this artist and guitarist Apostolis AnthimosFind albums by this artist (who plays only percussion here). Another old friend, keyboardist Wojciech KarolakFind albums by this artist, is responsible for the string orchestra arrangements, played by the Polish Radio String Orchestra. The music, as always with Stanko, is absolutely breathtaking, from start to finish, performed brilliantly by all the musicians involved. Stanko´s trumpet, with its distinctive and unique sound, soars vigorously and caresses gently, both with the same magic quality only he seems to be able to produce. Overall, this is definitely one of the finest Stanko´s later period albums and an essential peace of European Jazz. An absolute must!
Side Note: It´s a great pity that this album as now out of print and absolutely impossible to find. A repress is desperately in order!
| | | CD 1 Digipak Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | STRING CONNECTION ~ 2012
POLSKIE RADIO 1419 (Barcode: 5907812244194) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2011 Released: 2011
Over 20 years after the Polish Jazz ensemble String ConnectionFind albums by this artist ceased to exist after several years of leading the local Jazz scene, here they are again, reunited, rejuvenated and recharged with new energies. Led by the violin virtuoso / composer Krzesimir DebskiFind albums by this artist, who founded the original group in 1981 and who was also responsible for group´s breakup due to his mounting commitments as a composer for film and contemporary Classical music, the group also includes original members: saxophonist Andrzej OlejniczakFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Janusz SkowronFind albums by this artist, bassist Krzysztof ScieranskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Krzysztof PrzybylowiczFind albums by this artist. Female vocalist Anna JurksztowiczFind albums by this artist guests on two tracks. The music was composed mostly by Debski (six of the eight tunes on the album) with Olejniczak and Scieranski contributing one composition each. All these players are of course masters of their trade and their performances are always top notch, as expected. The music covers a wide spectrum of compositions, from World Music influences to Fusion, with the typical Eastern-European awareness of somewhat quirky melody lines and rhythmic patterns. There are no surprises here or groundbreaking innovations, but a lot of excellent and enjoyable music. For Jazz violin connoisseurs this is a must of course, as Jazz albums with violin are unfortunately a rarity, especially those of such quality like this one. Recommended!
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  | ZBIGNIEW WEGEHAUPT ~ SAKE
POLJAZZ / ANEX 326 (Barcode: 5907513047810) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1983 - 1984 Released: 2009
Polish bassist / composer Zbigniew WegehauptFind albums by this artist has been a pillar of the Polish Jazz scene for the last three decades, proving time after time his role as a versatile and virtuoso player and a steady anchor for almost all Jazz ensemble leaders in his country. His compositional skills however, although exceptional as well, are rarely documented, which is a great pity. This album, his debut recording as a leader, is the first glimpse of these splendid tunes, recorded with a superb lineup of Polish Jazz musicians, both veterans and members of his age group: saxophonists Andrzej OlejniczakFind albums by this artist and Henryk MiskiewiczFind albums by this artist, pianist Janusz SkowronFind albums by this artist and drummer Czeslaw BartkowskiFind albums by this artist. The album features six beautiful compositions, prime examples of modern Jazz writing based in the Jazz tradition, but expanding it with the European influence, which adds many new dimensions to the music. Connoisseurs of the art of bass playing will be delighted with this recording, but every Jazz enthusiast should find it exceptionally satisfying. Wholeheartedly recommended!
| | | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
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